Today marks the 16th day of a hunger strike by Mzia Amaglobeli, the founder of the independent publications Batumelebi and Netgazeti, who is currently being held in pre-trial detention in Georgia for assaulting a police officer during protests against halted EU integration.
Amaglobeli began the hunger strike on January 12 in protest against what she describes as systemic injustice and politically motivated accusations against her.
The Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association (GYLA), which is representing Amaglobeli, has raised concerns about her health and called on the Ministry of Justice to provide regular updates on her condition. The organization has also stressed the obligation of the prison administration to closely monitor her health and ensure her well-being in accordance with established protocols.
GYLA has issued a series of demands, including an immediate statement from the Ministry of Justice regarding Amaglobeli’s health and periodic public updates. Additionally, the organization has called on the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia to drop the charges against Amaglobeli and revise the preventive measures taken against her, arguing that her actions do not meet the criteria for criminal offenses.
In a statement, GYLA criticized the treatment of Amaglobeli, describing it as politically motivated punishment for her journalistic and civic activities. They also urged the Special Investigation Service to clarify the status of the investigation into allegations of degrading treatment against Amaglobeli and questioned why no action has been taken against Batumi Police Chief Irakli Dgebuadze, who has been implicated in the case.
The press service of the Special Penitentiary Service has declined to provide detailed information about Amaglobeli’s health, stating only that inquiries must be made in writing.
Amaglobeli’s case has drawn significant public and international attention, with advocates highlighting the broader challenges faced by independent journalists and human rights defenders in Georgia.
